Panasonic LX3 vs Sony A290

Following is a thorough review of the Panasonic LX3 versus Sony A290, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and A290 (14MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and A290 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The LX3 was unveiled 19 months earlier than the A290 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the LX3 scores against the A290 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LX3 enjoys exterior measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LX3 versus Sony A290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the LX3 against the A290.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LX3 and A290 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes merely by seeing specs. The image underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and A290.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The LX3 having a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony A290 will show greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged LX3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.